Danger in Plain Sight: How Traffickers Use Public Transportation & Parking Lots to Target Victims

Introduction

Human trafficking doesn't only happen in dark alleys or remote locations — it happens in the most ordinary places: bus stops, subway platforms, rideshare pickups, taxi lines, and parking garages. Understanding where and how traffickers operate in public spaces can help protect you, your children, and the women in your life.

Public Transportation: A Hunting Ground in Plain Sight

Buses & Subways

Crowded, anonymous, and predictable — public transit is a prime environment for traffickers to identify and approach vulnerable targets. Common tactics include:

• Grooming conversations that begin as friendly small talk, especially targeting minors traveling alone or women who appear distressed or lost
• Offering help with directions, fares, or luggage as a way to build false trust quickly
• Recruiting runaways or youth aging out of foster care who frequent transit hubs
• Watching for individuals who appear isolated, tired, or unfamiliar with the area

What to watch for: Someone who seems overly attentive, insists on staying close, or pressures a person to leave with them.

Rideshares: Uber, Lyft & Taxis

Rideshare and taxi services present a unique risk because victims are alone in a vehicle with a stranger — and the door locks.

• Traffickers have been known to pose as rideshare drivers, particularly targeting women leaving bars, airports, or late-night events
• Fake rideshare pickups are used to lure victims into vehicles under the guise of a legitimate ride
• Children and teens can be targeted through social media and directed to a "ride" arranged by a trafficker
• Some traffickers use legitimate rideshare accounts to transport victims between locations

Safety tips:

• Always verify the driver's name, photo, and license plate before getting in
• Share your trip details with a trusted contact
• Sit in the back seat and keep your phone accessible
• Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, don't get in

Parking Lots & Garages: High-Risk Zones for Women

Parking lots and garages — especially poorly lit or multi-level structures — are among the most dangerous public spaces for women. Traffickers and predators exploit these environments because:

• Cameras are present but rarely monitored in real time, creating a false sense of security
• Victims can be forced into a vehicle quickly with little time for bystanders to react
• Isolated rows, stairwells, and elevator banks provide cover for coercion
• Women are often distracted (on their phone, carrying bags, searching for keys) and caught off guard

Common Scenarios to Be Aware Of:

• A man approaches a woman at her car asking for help, then blocks her exit
• A vehicle parks extremely close, making it difficult to enter your own car without being grabbed
• Someone follows a woman from a store into the parking structure
• A "flat tire" or staged car trouble is used to get a woman to stop and engage

What to do:

• Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas whenever possible
• Have your keys ready before you reach your car
• Be aware of vehicles that seem to be waiting or circling
• If you feel followed, do not go to your car — return to a public, staffed area
• Call 911 if you feel in immediate danger; do not hesitate

Protecting Children in Public Spaces

Children are especially vulnerable in transit environments. Traffickers specifically target:

• Kids traveling alone or waiting at bus stops unsupervised
• Teens who appear to be runaways or in conflict with family
• Children who are visibly upset, confused, or separated from a guardian

For parents and guardians:

• Establish clear rules about accepting rides or help from strangers
• Teach children to identify safe adults (uniformed officers, store employees) if they feel unsafe
• Use a family code word for emergencies
• Ensure children know how to call for help and that they should make noise if grabbed

If You See Something, Say Something

Trafficking often happens in public — and bystanders can make a difference.

Signs someone may be in danger:

• Appears disoriented, fearful, or controlled by another person
• Avoids eye contact or seems coached in what to say
• Has no ID, phone, or personal belongings
• Is being spoken for by someone else

Report it:

• National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 (call or text "HELP" to 233733)
• 911 for immediate danger
• Cyber Tipline (NCMEC): 1-800-843-5678

Our Commitment

TG Clothing Co. LLC is a proud supporter of International Justice Mission — working to rescue victims, bring criminals to justice, restore survivors, and help local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts. Every purchase supports the vision of a world where justice for people in poverty is unstoppable.

Learn more about International Justice Mission at ijm.org.

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